Michael Flynn

Tom, a modern-day historian, and his girlfriend Sharon, a theoretical physicist, search for the truth about the 1349 disappearance of the small German town of Eifelheim as the Black Death strengthens its grip on medieval Europe, unaware that Father Deitrich, the village priest in 1348, became the first contact between humankind and a mysterious alien race. 12,500 first printing.

Eifelheim

Naomi J.

This was a fantastic idea, not always very well executed, but with enough of the original concept left that it still worked. Lacking in narrative resolution, but intriguing all the same. It left me thinking about the ideas it raised - always the sign of a good book, for me. You'll enjoy this if you like historical fiction blended with aliens, and some good melding of theology/philosophy/science fiction.

Centuries ago, one small town in Germany disappeared and was never resettled. Tom, a historian, and his theoretical physicist girlfriend Sharon, become interested. By all logic, the town should have survived. What's so special about Eifelheim? Father Dietrich is the village priest of Eifelheim, in the year 1348, when the Black Death is gathering strength. To his astonishment, Dietrich makes first contact between humanity and an alien race from a distant star, when their ship crashes in the nearby forest. Flynn gives us the full richness and strangeness of medieval life, as well as some terrific aliens.

Paul Camacho

All-around a smart, satisfying read. The science fiction was interesting (pretty convincing aliens, if a little obvious [aliens as giant bugs seems rather over-played]).

The real strength of the book was the immersion in daily medieval German life. I really enjoyed the logic, scholastic disputations, and the daily customs. Great to read while living here in Leuven!

Eifelheim

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